Roma

1 January 1970

Roma slideshow

Champions League final 2018: What time will Liverpool vs Real Madrid kick-off, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

What is it? Real Madrid and Liverpool will compete in the final of the European Cup - for the first time since 1981 - in a mouth-watering match to decide who will be awarded the coveted Champions League trophy. The defending champions and 12-time winners Real are bidding for their third successive title while Liverpool are seeking the sixth in their history. When is it? Saturday, May 26, 2018. Where is it? The 2018 Champions League final will be held at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine. It is the home of Dynamo Kiev. The stadium previously hosted the Euro 2012 final and holds a maximum capacity of 63,000 - the second largest in eastern Europe. What time is kick-off? 7.45pm BST. What TV channel is it on? BT Sport 1. But you can also watch the match for free on the BT Sport app or via BTSport.com or follow the game here with Telegraph Sport. Liverpool in Europe: Finals ranked and rated What happened in the semi-finals? In the first semi, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich committed a huge blunder as holders Real edged into the final. Ulreich missed a backpass to gift a vital second goal to Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu Stadium, and the Frenchman's double in a pulsating 2-2 draw ensured Real progressed 4-3 on aggregate. Bayern had led early through Joshua Kimmich and a strike from James Rodriguez - who is on loan at the German club from Real - set up a tense finish. However, the hosts withstood considerable pressure to keep their bid for a third successive title on track. Just confirming this actually happened and is not a FIFA '18 bugpic.twitter.com/nNsfSDZvm4— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 1, 2018 The following night, Liverpool set up a repeat of their 1981 meeting against Real despite a first Champions League defeat of the season at the Stadio Olimpico. A chaotic 4-2 semi-final second leg loss to Roma saw Liverpool progress 7-6 on aggregate, with victory secured thanks to Sadio Mane's 19th of the season and the rare sight of Georginio Wijnaldum's first away goal in almost three years. A fortuitous own goal by James Milner inbetween had put the hosts back in the game, while Edin Dzeko's strike shortly after half-time ensured the Reds endured a testing conclusion and two late goals for Radja Nainngolan - including a penalty with the last kick of the game - came too late for Roma. Roma v Liverpool Can I still get tickets? The window for buying standard tickets is now closed. It ran on Uefa's website from March 15-22. Hospitality tickets are still on sale on Uefa's website, with prices starting from €3,200 per person. How do I get to Kiev? The City has two airports, Zhulyany (8km south-west of the city centre) and Boryspil International (35km east). Public transport includes buses, trolleybuses, trams and an ever-expanding metro system. Blaggers guide to speaking Ukrainian (source Uefa.com) Hello: Привіт – pree-vee'-t How are you?: Як справи? – yak spra'-vee Please: Будь ласка – bood la'-skah Thank you: Дякую – dja-ku'-yu Goodbye: До побачення – doh po-bah'-chen-ya Where is the stadium?: Де знаходиться стадіон? – de zna-kho'-dee-tsja sta-dee-on' Goal: Гол – Ghol Most European Cups What are they saying? Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said his team will be "on fire" for the final: "We were in a League Cup final and didn't win it. People don't tell me in the street since then: 'Thank you for bringing us to the final'. We were in the Europa League final too. Nobody tells me thank you. "I see no trophies after these games. They don't hang silver medals at Melwood. That's a pity, but that's the game. There's still a job to do. "You cannot be more experienced in this competition than Real Madrid. "I think 80 per cent of their team played all these finals. They are four times in the last five years and still together. They are experienced, we are not, but we will be really on fire." Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head Road to the final Zinedine Zidane's side won their first two games but a home draw with Tottenham followed by a loss at Wembley meant they finished second in their group. Despite failing behind to Paris St Germain at the Bernabeu, they won 5-2 on aggregate in the last 16 then overcame an almighty scare against Juventus, advancing thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's last-gasp penalty despite a 3-1 home loss. A semi-final first leg victory in Munich proved pivotal as a 2-2 draw with Bayern in Spain got them over the line. Liverpool had to come through a qualifying round against Hoffenheim and then drew the opening two games in their group. They also threw away a three-goal lead against Sevilla in a 3-3 draw but thumped both Maribor and Spartak Moscow to finish top of Group E. They beat Porto 5-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie, won both legs in the all-English clash with Manchester City and then saw off Roma 7-6 on aggregate following a 5-2 first-leg win at Anfield. Who fizzed and who flopped in the Champions League semi-final decider? Star men Real have the current Ballon d'or winner. Liverpool may have the next one. Cristiano Ronaldo is the Champions League's all-time leading scorer - with 120 goals, Real Madrid's all-time top scorer and a four-time winner of the competition. Ronaldo, who turned 33 this year, has scored 42 club goals this season. Yet Mohamed Salah has already exceeded that tally. The former Roma winger has enjoyed an incredible first season at Anfield, becoming just the third player in Liverpool history to score 40-plus goals in a single season and winning a slew of personal accolades. If he can outshine Ronaldo in Kiev, the ultimate individual prize may be next. Managers Zidane and Jurgen Klopp have experienced contrasting fortunes in finals. The former has won both of the Champions League finals he has been involved in as a boss. Meanwhile, Klopp has lost his previous five finals as a manage, including in the Europa League against Sevilla two seasons ago. Jurgen Klopp celebrates with his players Credit: GETTY IMAGES Tactics Real have not been as dominant as previous seasons, when their BBC (Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo) strikeforce was in full flow and Luka Modric and Toni Kroos ran the midfield. This team is more pragmatic. Centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane and defensive midfielder Casemiro form a strong spine and Zidane can usually rely on Ronaldo for a moment of magic. Klopp's gegenpressing style has been used to devastating effect this year thanks to the relentless front three of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Liverpool will pin their hopes on that trio and their harassing style. History This is a meeting of the two of the most decorated clubs in the competition's history. No team has won more European Cups than Real Madrid's 12. Los Blancos won five in a row between 1956 and 1960 and last year they become the first club to retain the title in the Champions League era. Only Real and AC Milan have won more European Cups than Liverpool. The five-time winners' most recent success came in an astonishing 2005 final against AC Milan, who exacted revenge in the 2007 final. The Reds also beat Real in the 1981 final when Alan Kennedy scored the winner. Goals aplenty made Roma vs Liverpool a semi-final to sing and dance about Salah vs Ronaldo: A comparison Liverpool and Real Madrid will be looking to Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo to make the difference for their respective teams on May 26. Here, we look at the numbers behind the two players' astonishing campaigns: Club appearances (all competitions): Salah (Liverpool) 49, Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 41 Club goals (all competitions): Salah 43, Ronaldo 42 Domestic league goals: Salah 31, Ronaldo 24 Domestic league assists: Salah 9, Ronaldo 5 Champions League goals (includes qualifiers): Salah 11, Ronaldo 15 Champions League assists (includes qualifiers): Salah 4, Ronaldo 2 Braces: Salah 7, Ronaldo 11 Hat-tricks: Salah 0, Ronaldo 1 Four goals in a game: Salah 1, Ronaldo 1 Longest scoring streak: Salah 7 games, Ronaldo 12 games Longest run without a goal: Salah 3 games, Ronaldo 3 games *Includes all competitive games except internationals. How Spanish sides have dominated past decade What are the odds? Real Madrid to win 6/5 Draw 11/4 Liverpool to win 2/1 What is our prediction? Real have not been as dominant as previous seasons, although they still managed to see off PSG, Juventus and Bayern Munich en route to the final. If Liverpool are to win, much will depend on their front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and their harassing style. There will be goals aplenty, and this feels like Liverpool's time. Predicted score: Liverpool win 4-3 in extra time. Liverpool's Champions League campaign | In Numbers

Champions League final 2018: What time will Liverpool vs Real Madrid kick-off, what TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

What is it? Real Madrid and Liverpool will compete in the final of the European Cup - for the first time since 1981 - in a mouth-watering match to decide who will be awarded the coveted Champions League trophy. The defending champions and 12-time winners Real are bidding for their third successive title while Liverpool are seeking the sixth in their history. When is it? Saturday, May 26, 2018. Where is it? The 2018 Champions League final will be held at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine. It is the home of Dynamo Kiev. The stadium previously hosted the Euro 2012 final and holds a maximum capacity of 63,000 - the second largest in eastern Europe. What time is kick-off? 7.45pm BST. What TV channel is it on? BT Sport 1. But you can also watch the match for free on the BT Sport app or via BTSport.com or follow the game here with Telegraph Sport. Liverpool in Europe: Finals ranked and rated What happened in the semi-finals? In the first semi, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich committed a huge blunder as holders Real edged into the final. Ulreich missed a backpass to gift a vital second goal to Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu Stadium, and the Frenchman's double in a pulsating 2-2 draw ensured Real progressed 4-3 on aggregate. Bayern had led early through Joshua Kimmich and a strike from James Rodriguez - who is on loan at the German club from Real - set up a tense finish. However, the hosts withstood considerable pressure to keep their bid for a third successive title on track. Just confirming this actually happened and is not a FIFA '18 bugpic.twitter.com/nNsfSDZvm4— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 1, 2018 The following night, Liverpool set up a repeat of their 1981 meeting against Real despite a first Champions League defeat of the season at the Stadio Olimpico. A chaotic 4-2 semi-final second leg loss to Roma saw Liverpool progress 7-6 on aggregate, with victory secured thanks to Sadio Mane's 19th of the season and the rare sight of Georginio Wijnaldum's first away goal in almost three years. A fortuitous own goal by James Milner inbetween had put the hosts back in the game, while Edin Dzeko's strike shortly after half-time ensured the Reds endured a testing conclusion and two late goals for Radja Nainngolan - including a penalty with the last kick of the game - came too late for Roma. Roma v Liverpool Can I still get tickets? The window for buying standard tickets is now closed. It ran on Uefa's website from March 15-22. Hospitality tickets are still on sale on Uefa's website, with prices starting from €3,200 per person. How do I get to Kiev? The City has two airports, Zhulyany (8km south-west of the city centre) and Boryspil International (35km east). Public transport includes buses, trolleybuses, trams and an ever-expanding metro system. Blaggers guide to speaking Ukrainian (source Uefa.com) Hello: Привіт – pree-vee'-t How are you?: Як справи? – yak spra'-vee Please: Будь ласка – bood la'-skah Thank you: Дякую – dja-ku'-yu Goodbye: До побачення – doh po-bah'-chen-ya Where is the stadium?: Де знаходиться стадіон? – de zna-kho'-dee-tsja sta-dee-on' Goal: Гол – Ghol Most European Cups What are they saying? Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said his team will be "on fire" for the final: "We were in a League Cup final and didn't win it. People don't tell me in the street since then: 'Thank you for bringing us to the final'. We were in the Europa League final too. Nobody tells me thank you. "I see no trophies after these games. They don't hang silver medals at Melwood. That's a pity, but that's the game. There's still a job to do. "You cannot be more experienced in this competition than Real Madrid. "I think 80 per cent of their team played all these finals. They are four times in the last five years and still together. They are experienced, we are not, but we will be really on fire." Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head Road to the final Zinedine Zidane's side won their first two games but a home draw with Tottenham followed by a loss at Wembley meant they finished second in their group. Despite failing behind to Paris St Germain at the Bernabeu, they won 5-2 on aggregate in the last 16 then overcame an almighty scare against Juventus, advancing thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's last-gasp penalty despite a 3-1 home loss. A semi-final first leg victory in Munich proved pivotal as a 2-2 draw with Bayern in Spain got them over the line. Liverpool had to come through a qualifying round against Hoffenheim and then drew the opening two games in their group. They also threw away a three-goal lead against Sevilla in a 3-3 draw but thumped both Maribor and Spartak Moscow to finish top of Group E. They beat Porto 5-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie, won both legs in the all-English clash with Manchester City and then saw off Roma 7-6 on aggregate following a 5-2 first-leg win at Anfield. Who fizzed and who flopped in the Champions League semi-final decider? Star men Real have the current Ballon d'or winner. Liverpool may have the next one. Cristiano Ronaldo is the Champions League's all-time leading scorer - with 120 goals, Real Madrid's all-time top scorer and a four-time winner of the competition. Ronaldo, who turned 33 this year, has scored 42 club goals this season. Yet Mohamed Salah has already exceeded that tally. The former Roma winger has enjoyed an incredible first season at Anfield, becoming just the third player in Liverpool history to score 40-plus goals in a single season and winning a slew of personal accolades. If he can outshine Ronaldo in Kiev, the ultimate individual prize may be next. Managers Zidane and Jurgen Klopp have experienced contrasting fortunes in finals. The former has won both of the Champions League finals he has been involved in as a boss. Meanwhile, Klopp has lost his previous five finals as a manage, including in the Europa League against Sevilla two seasons ago. Jurgen Klopp celebrates with his players Credit: GETTY IMAGES Tactics Real have not been as dominant as previous seasons, when their BBC (Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo) strikeforce was in full flow and Luka Modric and Toni Kroos ran the midfield. This team is more pragmatic. Centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane and defensive midfielder Casemiro form a strong spine and Zidane can usually rely on Ronaldo for a moment of magic. Klopp's gegenpressing style has been used to devastating effect this year thanks to the relentless front three of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Liverpool will pin their hopes on that trio and their harassing style. History This is a meeting of the two of the most decorated clubs in the competition's history. No team has won more European Cups than Real Madrid's 12. Los Blancos won five in a row between 1956 and 1960 and last year they become the first club to retain the title in the Champions League era. Only Real and AC Milan have won more European Cups than Liverpool. The five-time winners' most recent success came in an astonishing 2005 final against AC Milan, who exacted revenge in the 2007 final. The Reds also beat Real in the 1981 final when Alan Kennedy scored the winner. Goals aplenty made Roma vs Liverpool a semi-final to sing and dance about Salah vs Ronaldo: A comparison Liverpool and Real Madrid will be looking to Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo to make the difference for their respective teams on May 26. Here, we look at the numbers behind the two players' astonishing campaigns: Club appearances (all competitions): Salah (Liverpool) 49, Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 41 Club goals (all competitions): Salah 43, Ronaldo 42 Domestic league goals: Salah 31, Ronaldo 24 Domestic league assists: Salah 9, Ronaldo 5 Champions League goals (includes qualifiers): Salah 11, Ronaldo 15 Champions League assists (includes qualifiers): Salah 4, Ronaldo 2 Braces: Salah 7, Ronaldo 11 Hat-tricks: Salah 0, Ronaldo 1 Four goals in a game: Salah 1, Ronaldo 1 Longest scoring streak: Salah 7 games, Ronaldo 12 games Longest run without a goal: Salah 3 games, Ronaldo 3 games *Includes all competitive games except internationals. How Spanish sides have dominated past decade What are the odds? Real Madrid to win 6/5 Draw 11/4 Liverpool to win 2/1 What is our prediction? Real have not been as dominant as previous seasons, although they still managed to see off PSG, Juventus and Bayern Munich en route to the final. If Liverpool are to win, much will depend on their front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and their harassing style. There will be goals aplenty, and this feels like Liverpool's time. Predicted score: Liverpool win 4-3 in extra time. Liverpool's Champions League campaign | In Numbers

Salah celebrates after scoring in the semi-final against Roma at Anfield

Salah celebrates after scoring in the semi-final against Roma at Anfield

Salah celebrates after scoring in the semi-final against Roma at Anfield

Salah celebrates after scoring in the semi-final against Roma at Anfield (AFP Photo/Filippo MONTEFORTE)

FILE PHOTO: Champions League Semi Final First Leg - Liverpool vs AS Roma

Ancelotti won scudetti as a player with Roma (1) and AC Milan (2), once more as a manager for the latter.

Ancelotti hired to end Napoli’s scudetto drought

Ancelotti won scudetti as a player with Roma (1) and AC Milan (2), once more as a manager for the latter.

Ref took Champions League final away from Roma - Under

Liverpool face Real Madrid in the Champions League final, but the 20-year-old says the Serie A side would be in Kiev if not for the semi-final referee

Champions League final 2018: When is Liverpool vs Real Madrid, what TV channel is it on and what is the venue?

What is it? For the first time since 1981, Real Madrid and Liverpool will compete in the final of the European Cup in a mouth-watering match to decide who will be awarded the coveted Champions League trophy. The defending champions and 12-time winners Real are bidding for their third successive title while Liverpool are seeking the sixth in their history. When is it? Saturday, May 26, 2018. Where is it? The 2018 Champions League final will be held at the NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine. It is the home of Dynamo Kiev. The stadium previously hosted the Euro 2012 final and holds a maximum capacity of 63,000 - the second largest in eastern Europe. What time is kick-off? 7.45pm BST. What TV channel is it on? BT Sport 1. But you can also watch the match for free on the BT Sport app or via BTSport.com. Liverpool in Europe: Finals ranked and rated What happened in the semi-finals? In the first semi, Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich committed a huge blunder as holders Real edged into the final. Ulreich missed a backpass to gift a vital second goal to Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu Stadium, and the Frenchman's double in a pulsating 2-2 draw ensured Real progressed 4-3 on aggregate. Bayern had led early through Joshua Kimmich and a strike from James Rodriguez - who is on loan at the German club from Real - set up a tense finish. However, the hosts withstood considerable pressure to keep their bid for a third successive title on track. Just confirming this actually happened and is not a FIFA '18 bugpic.twitter.com/nNsfSDZvm4— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 1, 2018 The following night, Liverpool set up a repeat of their 1981 meeting against Real despite a first Champions League defeat of the season at the Stadio Olimpico. A chaotic 4-2 semi-final second leg loss to Roma saw Liverpool progress 7-6 on aggregate, with victory secured thanks to Sadio Mane's 19th of the season and the rare sight of Georginio Wijnaldum's first away goal in almost three years. A fortuitous own goal by James Milner inbetween had put the hosts back in the game, while Edin Dzeko's strike shortly after half-time ensured the Reds endured a testing conclusion and two late goals for Radja Nainngolan - including a penalty with the last kick of the game - came too late for Roma. Roma v Liverpool Can I still get tickets? The window for buying standard tickets is now closed. It ran on Uefa's website from March 15-22. Hospitality tickets are still on sale on Uefa's website, with prices starting from €3,200 per person. How do I get to Kiev? The City has two airports, Zhulyany (8km south-west of the city centre) and Boryspil International (35km east). Public transport includes buses, trolleybuses, trams and an ever-expanding metro system. Blaggers guide to speaking Ukrainian (source Uefa.com) Hello: Привіт – pree-vee'-t How are you?: Як справи? – yak spra'-vee Please: Будь ласка – bood la'-skah Thank you: Дякую – dja-ku'-yu Goodbye: До побачення – doh po-bah'-chen-ya Where is the stadium?: Де знаходиться стадіон? – de zna-kho'-dee-tsja sta-dee-on' Goal: Гол – Ghol Most European Cups What are they saying? Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said his team will be "on fire" for the final: "We were in a League Cup final and didn't win it. People don't tell me in the street since then: 'Thank you for bringing us to the final'. We were in the Europa League final too. Nobody tells me thank you. "I see no trophies after these games. They don't hang silver medals at Melwood. That's a pity, but that's the game. There's still a job to do. "You cannot be more experienced in this competition than Real Madrid. "I think 80 per cent of their team played all these finals. They are four times in the last five years and still together. They are experienced, we are not, but we will be really on fire." Liverpool vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head Road to the final Zinedine Zidane's side won their first two games but a home draw with Tottenham followed by a loss at Wembley meant they finished second in their group. Despite failing behind to Paris St Germain at the Bernabeu, they won 5-2 on aggregate in the last 16 then overcame an almighty scare against Juventus, advancing thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's last-gasp penalty despite a 3-1 home loss. A semi-final first leg victory in Munich proved pivotal as a 2-2 draw with Bayern in Spain got them over the line. Liverpool had to come through a qualifying round against Hoffenheim and then drew the opening two games in their group. They also threw away a three-goal lead against Sevilla in a 3-3 draw but thumped both Maribor and Spartak Moscow to finish top of Group E. They beat Porto 5-0 in the first leg of their last-16 tie, won both legs in the all-English clash with Manchester City and then saw off Roma 7-6 on aggregate following a 5-2 first-leg win at Anfield. Who fizzed and who flopped in the Champions League semi-final decider? Star men Real have the current Ballon d'or winner. Liverpool may have the next one. Cristiano Ronaldo is the Champions League's all-time leading scorer - with 120 goals, Real Madrid's all-time top scorer and a four-time winner of the competition. Ronaldo, who turned 33 this year, has scored 42 club goals this season. Yet Mohamed Salah has already exceeded that tally. The former Roma winger has enjoyed an incredible first season at Anfield, becoming just the third player in Liverpool history to score 40-plus goals in a single season and winning a slew of personal accolades. If he can outshine Ronaldo in Kiev, the ultimate individual prize may be next. Managers Zidane and Jurgen Klopp have experienced contrasting fortunes in finals. The former has won both of the Champions League finals he has been involved in as a boss. Meanwhile, Klopp has lost his previous five finals as a manage, including in the Europa League against Sevilla two seasons ago. Jurgen Klopp celebrates with his players Credit: GETTY IMAGES Tactics Real have not been as dominant as previous seasons, when their BBC (Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Ronaldo) strikeforce was in full flow and Luka Modric and Toni Kroos ran the midfield. This team is more pragmatic. Centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane and defensive midfielder Casemiro form a strong spine and Zidane can usually rely on Ronaldo for a moment of magic. Klopp's gegenpressing style has been used to devastating effect this year thanks to the relentless front three of Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Liverpool will pin their hopes on that trio and their harassing style. History This is a meeting of the two of the most decorated clubs in the competition's history. No team has won more European Cups than Real Madrid's 12. Los Blancos won five in a row between 1956 and 1960 and last year they become the first club to retain the title in the Champions League era. Only Real and AC Milan have won more European Cups than Liverpool. The five-time winners' most recent success came in an astonishing 2005 final against AC Milan, who exacted revenge in the 2007 final. The Reds also beat Real in the 1981 final when Alan Kennedy scored the winner. Goals aplenty made Roma vs Liverpool a semi-final to sing and dance about Salah vs Ronaldo: A comparison Liverpool and Real Madrid will be looking to Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo to make the difference for their respective teams on May 26. Here, we look at the numbers behind the two players' astonishing campaigns: Club appearances (all competitions): Salah (Liverpool) 49, Ronaldo (Real Madrid) 41 Club goals (all competitions): Salah 43, Ronaldo 42 Domestic league goals: Salah 31, Ronaldo 24 Domestic league assists: Salah 9, Ronaldo 5 Champions League goals (includes qualifiers): Salah 11, Ronaldo 15 Champions League assists (includes qualifiers): Salah 4, Ronaldo 2 Braces: Salah 7, Ronaldo 11 Hat-tricks: Salah 0, Ronaldo 1 Four goals in a game: Salah 1, Ronaldo 1 Longest scoring streak: Salah 7 games, Ronaldo 12 games Longest run without a goal: Salah 3 games, Ronaldo 3 games *Includes all competitive games except internationals. How Spanish sides have dominated past decade What are the odds? Real Madrid to win 6/5 Draw 11/4 Liverpool to win 2/1 What is our prediction? Real have not been as dominant as previous seasons, although they still managed to see off PSG, Juventus and Bayern Munich en route to the final. If Liverpool are to win, much will depend on their front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane and their harassing style. There will be goals aplenty, and this feels like Liverpool's time. Predicted score: Liverpool win 4-3 in extra time. Liverpool's Champions League campaign | In Numbers

Ref took Champions League final away from Roma - Under

Liverpool face Real Madrid in the Champions League final, but the 20-year-old says the Serie A side would be in Kiev if not for the semi-final referee

Champions League: Liverpool and AS Roma charged by UEFA over crowd disturbances in semi-final at Anfield

A 53-year-old Liverpool supporter was attacked by Roman hooligans outside Anfield before the first leg, leaving him hospitalised in a coma where he remains in a serious condition.

Monchi warns Liverpool and Real Madrid: Alisson only leaves if I come out of retirement!

Roma's director of football is a former goalkeeper, but he is not about to dust off his gloves as he has no intention of parting with the club's No. 1

Monchi warns Liverpool and Real Madrid: Alisson only leaves if I come out of retirement!

Roma's director of football is a former goalkeeper, but he is not about to dust off his gloves as he has no intention of parting with the club's No. 1

Monchi warns Liverpool and Real Madrid: Alisson only leaves if I come out of retirement!

Roma's director of football is a former goalkeeper, but he is not about to dust off his gloves as he has no intention of parting with the club's No. 1

Monchi warns Liverpool and Real Madrid: Alisson only leaves if I come out of retirement!

Roma's director of football is a former goalkeeper, but he is not about to dust off his gloves as he has no intention of parting with the club's No. 1

Monchi warns Liverpool and Real Madrid: Alisson only leaves if I come out of retirement!

Roma's director of football is a former goalkeeper, but he is not about to dust off his gloves as he has no intention of parting with the club's No. 1

UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Liverpool & Roma

Both sides will be examined after disturbances outside Anfield ahead of last month's Champions League semi-final

UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Liverpool & Roma

Both sides will be examined after disturbances outside Anfield ahead of last month's Champions League semi-final

UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Liverpool & Roma

After disturbances outside Anfield ahead of last month's Champions League semi-final, UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings.

Liverpool and Roma charged by Uefa over crowd trouble before Champions League semi-final first leg

Liverpool and Roma charged by Uefa over crowd trouble before Champions League semi-final first leg

Liverpool and Roma charged by Uefa over crowd trouble before Champions League semi-final first leg

Liverpool and Roma charged by Uefa over crowd trouble before Champions League semi-final first leg

In this May 2, 2018 photo, men watch the Liverpool vs. Roma match at a cafe in Mohamed Salah's hometown Nile delta village of Nagrig, Egypt. Residents boast of how the Liverpool winger has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, a youth center and a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig to send their children to soccer academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

In this May 2, 2018 photo, men watch the Liverpool vs. Roma match at a cafe in Mohamed Salah's hometown Nile delta village of Nagrig, Egypt. Residents boast of how the Liverpool winger has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, a youth center and a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig to send their children to soccer academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

In this May 2, 2018 photo, men watch the Liverpool vs. Roma match in Mohamed Salah's hometown Nile delta village of Nagrig, Egypt. Residents boast of how the Liverpool winger has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, a youth center and a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig to send their children to soccer academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

In this May 2, 2018 photo, men watch the Liverpool vs. Roma match in Mohamed Salah's hometown Nile delta village of Nagrig, Egypt. Residents boast of how the Liverpool winger has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, a youth center and a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig to send their children to soccer academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

In this May 2, 2018 photo, men watch the Liverpool vs. Roma match at a cafe in Mohamed Salah's hometown Nile delta village of Nagrig, Egypt. Residents boast of how the Liverpool winger has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, a youth center and a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig to send their children to soccer academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

In this May 2, 2018 photo, men watch the Liverpool vs. Roma match at a cafe in Mohamed Salah's hometown Nile delta village of Nagrig, Egypt. Residents boast of how the Liverpool winger has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, a youth center and a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig to send their children to soccer academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

In this May 2, 2018 photo, men watch the Liverpool vs. Roma match at a cafe in Mohamed Salah's hometown Nile delta village of Nagrig, Egypt. Residents boast of how the Liverpool winger has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, a youth center and a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig to send their children to soccer academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

In this May 2, 2018 photo, men watch the Liverpool vs. Roma match at a cafe in Mohamed Salah's hometown Nile delta village of Nagrig, Egypt. Residents boast of how the Liverpool winger has poured millions of pounds into the village, with the beneficiaries’ list including a school, a mosque, a youth center and a dialysis machine at a nearby hospital. His success as a footballer in Europe’s most attractive league has inspired many parents in Nagrig to send their children to soccer academies in the hope that maybe one day they can emulate his success. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)

'I have a new Guinness World Record!' - Nainggolan laughs off World Cup snub

The Roma midfielder has seen his dreams dashed by Roberto Martinez, with his international retirement announced on the back of a second shock omission

Next Arsenal manager odds: how Unai Emery emerged from the pack to eclipse Mikel Arteta

Unai Emery is set to be appointed as Arsène Wenger's successor at Arsenal, after the latter's 22-year term at the club came to an end last month. Despite Wenger having officially left the club a few weeks ago, rumours surrounding who will replace him have been swirling for months. There were plenty of names in the mix: legendary former players like Patrick Viera and Thierry Henry; big-name managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Max Allegri; and young coaches, like Mikel Arteta, unproven in managerial roles. According to odds from Betfair, Arteta had emerged as the comfortable favourite, overtaking the likes Allegri and Thomas Tuchel, who previously led the betting. However, former PSG manager Emery jumped into contention after an apparent change of heart from Arsenal over the appointment of Arteta. The chart below shows how the race unfolded. Who's winning the race to replace Wenger? The men who missed out Mikel Arteta Pros:The emotional bond fans felt towards Wenger could be maintained with the appointment of a former player, with supporters rooting for 'one of their own'. Not many players are offered jobs by Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and Arsenal as soon as they retire so Arteta is obviously a smart cookie. Will have learnt so much in two years under Guardiola and potentially has a very a high ceiling. A club man who will defer to the new structure and hierarchy. Cons:No managerial experience. Arteta has also played alongside several members of Arsenal's squad - how will that affect his ability to make ruthless and difficult decisions? Possible that fans will have little patience with a rookie. Brendan Rodgers Pros:Coaches attractive and progressive football, and has an impressive history of developing young attackers. Led Liverpool to within touching distance of their first title since 1990, and has done all that could be asked of him (and a bit more) at Celtic. Cons: The teeth, the tan, the catchphrases. Arsenal became a running joke in the late-Wenger years, and Rodgers also lends himself to parody. Would be deeply unpopular with the fans, something likely to count against him. His Liverpool side were also beset by defensive weaknesses, the very area Arsenal urgently need improvement. Massimiliano Allegri Pros: A proven track record at the highest level of European football, Allegri has guided to Juventus to successive Serie A titles and two Champions League finals. Like Wenger, is a highly respected figure within football who would be a classy public face for the club. Already has experience of succeeding as a much-loved manager (Antonio Conte) and won over the Juve fans who were unhappy with his appointment. Would bring a more pragmatic approach to Arsenal's football. Cons:Liverpool and Spurs have bettered Arsenal in the past two seasons with coaches who have a clear playing identity or 'philosophy'. Allegri is not quite like that. The Italian said "You think tackling, passing & running wins in football. Footballing discussions in Italy is all about tactics and theory, you’re ruining the game. You don’t look at players or skills, but only formations. This is what damages our football." His tactical flexibility is a virtue, but there is a school of thought it is best served fine-tuning elite teams. Arsenal are more of a project at present. Carlo Ancelotti Pros: A safe pair of hands who could steer Arsenal through what some believe could be a difficult transition. Essentially, he would ensure the club avoid a 'Moyes' situation. Has managed in England before, winning the double with Chelsea in 2010. A friendly and avuncular figure who the fans would warm too. Cons: Too similar to Wenger in his methods. Arsenal watchers have long felt their players suffer due to a lack of prescriptive coaching, with Wenger leaving them to find their own solutions. Ancelotti is also more of a manager than a coach, and a laissez-faire approach could result in more of the same. How Arsene Wenger's potential replacements would change Arsenal Luis Enrique Pros:Has a crystal clear idea of how he wants football to be played, and won the treble at Barcelona. Enrique has a working relationship with Sanllehi, and unlike other names on this list has experience of managing a big European club. Cons:A disastrous spell at Roma is a black mark on his CV, and reports suggest he will make huge financial demands both contractually and in the transfer market. Enrique can also be a spiky and abrasive character who had frequent run-ins with the press at Barcelona. While Wenger was no stranger to the odd moan, he was also a master of charm in press conferences. Moreover, while it would be ridiculous to say managing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar is 'easy', it does make his work at the Nou Camp difficult to assess. Julian Nagelsmann Pros: A possible dark horse who ticks plenty of Arsenal's boxes. Was appointed Hoffenheim head coach at the age of 28 in 2015, leading them away from relegation trouble in his first season and qualifying for the Champions League in his second. Coaches a dynamic, energetic style based on fast recoveries of possession and looks a huge prospect. Would fit into Arsenal's structure seamlessly, and is another networked German. Cons: The move might be two or three years too soon for him. Nagelsmann might be better off developing elsewhere. Zeljko Buvac Pros: Known as 'The Brain', Buvac is a highly-regarded coach with an intimate knowledge of Arsenal and the Premier League working as Jurgen Klopp's No.2 at Liverpool. Buvac would not demand a transfer warchest - his priority would be getting Arsenal training methods up to speed and extracting the most out of a talented, if unbalanced, squad. Would bring ideas and necessary organisation to Arsenal's play. Cons: Has not managed since 2001, does not speak English and has never dealt with media commitments. It seems slightly strange that a 57-year-old has not gone it alone before if he really had managerial ambitions. A significant section of the fanbase would greet him with scepticism. Who will replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal? Eddie Howe Pros:See Rodgers. There is no faulting his work at Bournemouth, and Arsenal just might be attracted to the idea of swimming against the stream and appointing an English manager. Cons: It would feel a bit 'Moyes-ey'. A spell at Burnley did not quite work out for Howe, raising suspicions he might be uniquely suited to Bournemouth. No big club experience. Like Rodgers, his teams also leak cheap goals. Leonardo Jardim Pros: Some of the brightest talents in European football have passed through Jardim's hands at Monaco, and he stitched them together in a stylish team that won Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season. Is used to working at a club that cuts its cloth accordingly in the transfer market, selling their best players for huge fees and reinvesting in the squad. Arsenal will not plan on losing players at the frequency of Monaco, but they also have to be realistic about their place in the financial pecking order. Only 43 years old, too. Cons:Far from a compelling personality, Arsenal might want more from their figurehead. Will Arsenal's scouting be as fruitful as Monaco's? Could Patrick Vieira be the man to succeed Arsene Wenger? Credit: AP Joachim Löw Pros:He's a world champion, and has also built a successful team around Mesut Özil. With Per Mertesacker as head of the academy and Arsenal's recent purchases from the Bundesliga, there are obvious connections. Tactically fluid. Cons: Löw has not managed at club level since he left Austria Vienna in 2004, and the demands of a top club job are very different to guiding a team through a summer tournament. Patrick Viera Pros: See Arteta, but with the added advantage of managing a team of his own (New York City in the MLS). A club legend who could galvanise the fan-base, and who will have the instant respect of the players. Cons: His abilities as a coach are very difficult to ascertain. While Vieira's ability as a player is undisputed, he also had a difficult relationship with the club during summer sagas that saw him push for a move, particularly when Real Madrid came calling. Would he do the same as a manager?

Next Arsenal manager odds: how Unai Emery emerged from the pack to eclipse Mikel Arteta

Unai Emery is set to be appointed as Arsène Wenger's successor at Arsenal, after the latter's 22-year term at the club came to an end last month. Despite Wenger having officially left the club a few weeks ago, rumours surrounding who will replace him have been swirling for months. There were plenty of names in the mix: legendary former players like Patrick Viera and Thierry Henry; big-name managers like Carlo Ancelotti and Max Allegri; and young coaches, like Mikel Arteta, unproven in managerial roles. According to odds from Betfair, Arteta had emerged as the comfortable favourite, overtaking the likes Allegri and Thomas Tuchel, who previously led the betting. However, former PSG manager Emery jumped into contention after an apparent change of heart from Arsenal over the appointment of Arteta. The chart below shows how the race unfolded. Who's winning the race to replace Wenger? The men who missed out Mikel Arteta Pros:The emotional bond fans felt towards Wenger could be maintained with the appointment of a former player, with supporters rooting for 'one of their own'. Not many players are offered jobs by Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino and Arsenal as soon as they retire so Arteta is obviously a smart cookie. Will have learnt so much in two years under Guardiola and potentially has a very a high ceiling. A club man who will defer to the new structure and hierarchy. Cons:No managerial experience. Arteta has also played alongside several members of Arsenal's squad - how will that affect his ability to make ruthless and difficult decisions? Possible that fans will have little patience with a rookie. Brendan Rodgers Pros:Coaches attractive and progressive football, and has an impressive history of developing young attackers. Led Liverpool to within touching distance of their first title since 1990, and has done all that could be asked of him (and a bit more) at Celtic. Cons: The teeth, the tan, the catchphrases. Arsenal became a running joke in the late-Wenger years, and Rodgers also lends himself to parody. Would be deeply unpopular with the fans, something likely to count against him. His Liverpool side were also beset by defensive weaknesses, the very area Arsenal urgently need improvement. Massimiliano Allegri Pros: A proven track record at the highest level of European football, Allegri has guided to Juventus to successive Serie A titles and two Champions League finals. Like Wenger, is a highly respected figure within football who would be a classy public face for the club. Already has experience of succeeding as a much-loved manager (Antonio Conte) and won over the Juve fans who were unhappy with his appointment. Would bring a more pragmatic approach to Arsenal's football. Cons:Liverpool and Spurs have bettered Arsenal in the past two seasons with coaches who have a clear playing identity or 'philosophy'. Allegri is not quite like that. The Italian said "You think tackling, passing & running wins in football. Footballing discussions in Italy is all about tactics and theory, you’re ruining the game. You don’t look at players or skills, but only formations. This is what damages our football." His tactical flexibility is a virtue, but there is a school of thought it is best served fine-tuning elite teams. Arsenal are more of a project at present. Carlo Ancelotti Pros: A safe pair of hands who could steer Arsenal through what some believe could be a difficult transition. Essentially, he would ensure the club avoid a 'Moyes' situation. Has managed in England before, winning the double with Chelsea in 2010. A friendly and avuncular figure who the fans would warm too. Cons: Too similar to Wenger in his methods. Arsenal watchers have long felt their players suffer due to a lack of prescriptive coaching, with Wenger leaving them to find their own solutions. Ancelotti is also more of a manager than a coach, and a laissez-faire approach could result in more of the same. How Arsene Wenger's potential replacements would change Arsenal Luis Enrique Pros:Has a crystal clear idea of how he wants football to be played, and won the treble at Barcelona. Enrique has a working relationship with Sanllehi, and unlike other names on this list has experience of managing a big European club. Cons:A disastrous spell at Roma is a black mark on his CV, and reports suggest he will make huge financial demands both contractually and in the transfer market. Enrique can also be a spiky and abrasive character who had frequent run-ins with the press at Barcelona. While Wenger was no stranger to the odd moan, he was also a master of charm in press conferences. Moreover, while it would be ridiculous to say managing Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar is 'easy', it does make his work at the Nou Camp difficult to assess. Julian Nagelsmann Pros: A possible dark horse who ticks plenty of Arsenal's boxes. Was appointed Hoffenheim head coach at the age of 28 in 2015, leading them away from relegation trouble in his first season and qualifying for the Champions League in his second. Coaches a dynamic, energetic style based on fast recoveries of possession and looks a huge prospect. Would fit into Arsenal's structure seamlessly, and is another networked German. Cons: The move might be two or three years too soon for him. Nagelsmann might be better off developing elsewhere. Zeljko Buvac Pros: Known as 'The Brain', Buvac is a highly-regarded coach with an intimate knowledge of Arsenal and the Premier League working as Jurgen Klopp's No.2 at Liverpool. Buvac would not demand a transfer warchest - his priority would be getting Arsenal training methods up to speed and extracting the most out of a talented, if unbalanced, squad. Would bring ideas and necessary organisation to Arsenal's play. Cons: Has not managed since 2001, does not speak English and has never dealt with media commitments. It seems slightly strange that a 57-year-old has not gone it alone before if he really had managerial ambitions. A significant section of the fanbase would greet him with scepticism. Who will replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal? Eddie Howe Pros:See Rodgers. There is no faulting his work at Bournemouth, and Arsenal just might be attracted to the idea of swimming against the stream and appointing an English manager. Cons: It would feel a bit 'Moyes-ey'. A spell at Burnley did not quite work out for Howe, raising suspicions he might be uniquely suited to Bournemouth. No big club experience. Like Rodgers, his teams also leak cheap goals. Leonardo Jardim Pros: Some of the brightest talents in European football have passed through Jardim's hands at Monaco, and he stitched them together in a stylish team that won Ligue 1 and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season. Is used to working at a club that cuts its cloth accordingly in the transfer market, selling their best players for huge fees and reinvesting in the squad. Arsenal will not plan on losing players at the frequency of Monaco, but they also have to be realistic about their place in the financial pecking order. Only 43 years old, too. Cons:Far from a compelling personality, Arsenal might want more from their figurehead. Will Arsenal's scouting be as fruitful as Monaco's? Could Patrick Vieira be the man to succeed Arsene Wenger? Credit: AP Joachim Löw Pros:He's a world champion, and has also built a successful team around Mesut Özil. With Per Mertesacker as head of the academy and Arsenal's recent purchases from the Bundesliga, there are obvious connections. Tactically fluid. Cons: Löw has not managed at club level since he left Austria Vienna in 2004, and the demands of a top club job are very different to guiding a team through a summer tournament. Patrick Viera Pros: See Arteta, but with the added advantage of managing a team of his own (New York City in the MLS). A club legend who could galvanise the fan-base, and who will have the instant respect of the players. Cons: His abilities as a coach are very difficult to ascertain. While Vieira's ability as a player is undisputed, he also had a difficult relationship with the club during summer sagas that saw him push for a move, particularly when Real Madrid came calling. Would he do the same as a manager?

I was left out on reputation - Nainggolan angered by World Cup snub

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan will not change his approach to football despite missing out on a place in Belgium's World Cup squad.

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane celebrates a goal during the Champions League semi-final against Roma

The absence of Nainggolan, who scored twice for Roma in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool this month, was the biggest surprise in the 28-player list that will be reduced to 23 before the tournament.

Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, says his players’ desire and ambition will counter the disadvantage of facing a Real Madrid side that has made a habit of winning Champions League finals. As a club, five-time winners Liverpool are hardly novices as they prepares for a fifth European final in 17 years. As a squad their medal haul is no match for a Real Madrid side pursuing a hat-trick of Champions League victories, and a fourth in five years. “If there is an experienced market, they should sell it because then they would be even more rich than they are already,” said Klopp. “They are more experienced. That is a fact. Experience is very important in life but not the only thing, especially in football. It is an important to be more experienced but you can level it with desire, readiness, attitude, work rate and that is what I love in football. “We made our own experience. We are not as long together as Real Madrid because they play these finals pretty much with the same team so as a group they are very strong. It is still football and we have a chance and let’s give it a try. Let’s go there and try to perform on a level which maybe people would say is not possible for us, but it is possible. Real Madrid are going for a third straight Champions League title Credit: Getty Images “We did all the things we need plenty of times already in the Champions Leagye campaign and now we need to do it again. “It is a really good football team but we are a really good football team. We are full of desire and we really work for our dreams.” Liverpool’s brand of football has been ambitious and courageous. Klopp’s attacking style makes Liverpool exciting, but in the minds of more pragmatic tacticians, defensively vulnerable. Few anticipate a goalless draw in Kiev. Klopp has not led the team so far to start compromising the principles that took them to the final. “We will show the players why it makes so much sense to be brave,” he said. “It was not easy to be brave against Manchester City and against Roma but we did it. The moment we tried to defend the result we were almost out. “If we had played like Juventus, or tried because we cannot, we go out in the group stage. If we tried to play like Bayern, Barcelona or Real Madrid we would be out in the group stages, so we have to be more lively because we have a lack of experience. If you are not on the same level, you have to do more, invest more (effort). Doing more can lead to mistakes but I don’t think there is any alternative to that. Our game has changed, more mature in some moments. I really love the season so far because it was a big step for us. European Cup final 2018 | Real Madrid vs Liverpool “We are strong, we faced so many difficult situations, I am really happy with the place we are in and now we have to use it. “These boys can rely on their skills. The only problem is the other team is pretty good as well. We have to try and play football, not more and not less. Not crazy things, doing the things we are good at. We don’t have to make it too big but it is still really big. It is still something you can enjoy. We know what it would mean for all the Liverpool fans if you can do that.” Klopp’s midfield options have received timely assistance with Emre Can’s return to training more encouraging than anticipated. A week ago it was considered highly unlikely the German – on the brink of a Bosman move to Juventus - would be fit to join the squad in Kiev. Now Klopp has opened the door. With Adam Lallana also improving daily, the duo will not be fit enough to start but will certainly make the bench look stronger. “Ten days ago I didn’t think it was possible that Emre could do what he did today (Monday) and what he did training in (at last week’s training camp) in Marbella," said Klopp. “That is really positive but we have to wait again. It is really nice to have him back in the group. He is really desperate to be involved.”

Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager, says his players’ desire and ambition will counter the disadvantage of facing a Real Madrid side that has made a habit of winning Champions League finals. As a club, five-time winners Liverpool are hardly novices as they prepares for a fifth European final in 17 years. As a squad their medal haul is no match for a Real Madrid side pursuing a hat-trick of Champions League victories, and a fourth in five years. “If there is an experienced market, they should sell it because then they would be even more rich than they are already,” said Klopp. “They are more experienced. That is a fact. Experience is very important in life but not the only thing, especially in football. It is an important to be more experienced but you can level it with desire, readiness, attitude, work rate and that is what I love in football. “We made our own experience. We are not as long together as Real Madrid because they play these finals pretty much with the same team so as a group they are very strong. It is still football and we have a chance and let’s give it a try. Let’s go there and try to perform on a level which maybe people would say is not possible for us, but it is possible. Real Madrid are going for a third straight Champions League title Credit: Getty Images “We did all the things we need plenty of times already in the Champions Leagye campaign and now we need to do it again. “It is a really good football team but we are a really good football team. We are full of desire and we really work for our dreams.” Liverpool’s brand of football has been ambitious and courageous. Klopp’s attacking style makes Liverpool exciting, but in the minds of more pragmatic tacticians, defensively vulnerable. Few anticipate a goalless draw in Kiev. Klopp has not led the team so far to start compromising the principles that took them to the final. “We will show the players why it makes so much sense to be brave,” he said. “It was not easy to be brave against Manchester City and against Roma but we did it. The moment we tried to defend the result we were almost out. “If we had played like Juventus, or tried because we cannot, we go out in the group stage. If we tried to play like Bayern, Barcelona or Real Madrid we would be out in the group stages, so we have to be more lively because we have a lack of experience. If you are not on the same level, you have to do more, invest more (effort). Doing more can lead to mistakes but I don’t think there is any alternative to that. Our game has changed, more mature in some moments. I really love the season so far because it was a big step for us. European Cup final 2018 | Real Madrid vs Liverpool “We are strong, we faced so many difficult situations, I am really happy with the place we are in and now we have to use it. “These boys can rely on their skills. The only problem is the other team is pretty good as well. We have to try and play football, not more and not less. Not crazy things, doing the things we are good at. We don’t have to make it too big but it is still really big. It is still something you can enjoy. We know what it would mean for all the Liverpool fans if you can do that.” Klopp’s midfield options have received timely assistance with Emre Can’s return to training more encouraging than anticipated. A week ago it was considered highly unlikely the German – on the brink of a Bosman move to Juventus - would be fit to join the squad in Kiev. Now Klopp has opened the door. With Adam Lallana also improving daily, the duo will not be fit enough to start but will certainly make the bench look stronger. “Ten days ago I didn’t think it was possible that Emre could do what he did today (Monday) and what he did training in (at last week’s training camp) in Marbella," said Klopp. “That is really positive but we have to wait again. It is really nice to have him back in the group. He is really desperate to be involved.”

Belgium goes to World Cup without Nainggolan

Roma's Radja Nainggolan scores his side's fourth goal during the Champions League semifinal second leg soccer match between Roma and Liverpool at the Olympic Stadium in Rome, Wednesday, May 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Nainggolan Announces Retirement After World Cup Axe

Radja Nainggolan ended his international career on Monday after Belgium coach Roberto Martinez left the AS Roma midfielder out of his squad for next month's World Cup in Russia.

Nainggolan retires from Belgium duty after World Cup snub

The Roma midfielder was a surprise omission from Roberto Martinez's roster for the tournament in Russia this summer

Radja Nainggolan retires from international football after Belgium World Cup squad omission

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has left midfielder Radja Nainggolan out of his World Cup squad despite a standout season with Champions League semi-finalists Roma. Martinez has long had a difficult relationship with the stormy midfielder but said he left him out purely for tactical reasons, saying Nainggolan was not the kind of player to take to a long tournament if he was only given a secondary position. "I don't think Radja is a player to be used in a small role in any group," Martinez said. "We all know he has a very important role at club level and I don't feel that we can give him that." 30-year-old Nainggolan announced his retirement from international football almost immediately afterwards. He made 30 appearances for Belgium and played at the 2016 European championships in France. "Very reluctantly my international career comes to an end," Nainggolan wrote on his Instagram account. "Being yourself can be bothering." Met veel pijn in het hart maak ik een einde aan men internationale carriere... ik heb er altijd alles aangedaan om er bij te zijn en belgie te vertegenwoordigen ����... spijtig genoeg is ECHT zijn niet goed voor SOMMIGE... En vanaf vandaag zal ik de eerste supporter zijn.... Purtroppo molto a malincuore termina la mia carriera internazionale... ho sempre fatto di tutto per poter rappresentare la mia nazione ���� Essere se stessi a volte puó dare fastidio... Da oggi saró il primo tifoso... Very reluctantly my international career comes to an end...I’ve always done everthing I could to represent my country���� Being yourself can be bothering ...From this day on I will be the first fan... A post shared by Radja Nainggolan (@radjanainggolan.4) on May 21, 2018 at 4:11am PDT After being called up for a warm-up game in March against Saudi Arabia, expectations had been that Nainggolan would be in the final squad. Martinez said he travelled to Rome to explain his exclusion in person, but he declined to elaborate on that encounter. Instead of immediately going for the final squad of 23, Martinez announced a squad of 28 due to injury worries concerning players like Jordan Lukaku, Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi and Thomas Vermaelen. Thibaut Courtois, Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard were all named in the squad, with a game to come against on June 2 before the team is cut to 23. Axel Witsel plays for Belgium despite moving to China for his club football Credit: AFP For the past two years, Martinez has never found a starting spot for Nainggolan. He was often a substitute while midfielders like Axel Witsel, who has moved to the Chinese league, continued to play. Compounding the player's on-field issues were off-field reports of ill-discipline. However, Nainggolan was excellent for Roma in Serie A this season and in the unexpected run in the Champions League, where the team fell one goal short in the semi-finals against Liverpool. With his gritty determination and outspoken nature, he has become a fan favorite. "The decision is not an easy one," Martinez said. "I understand how popular the player is."

Radja Nainggolan retires from international football after Belgium World Cup squad omission

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has left midfielder Radja Nainggolan out of his World Cup squad despite a standout season with Champions League semi-finalists Roma. Martinez has long had a difficult relationship with the stormy midfielder but said he left him out purely for tactical reasons, saying Nainggolan was not the kind of player to take to a long tournament if he was only given a secondary position. "I don't think Radja is a player to be used in a small role in any group," Martinez said. "We all know he has a very important role at club level and I don't feel that we can give him that." 30-year-old Nainggolan announced his retirement from international football almost immediately afterwards. He made 30 appearances for Belgium and played at the 2016 European championships in France. "Very reluctantly my international career comes to an end," Nainggolan wrote on his Instagram account. "Being yourself can be bothering." Met veel pijn in het hart maak ik een einde aan men internationale carriere... ik heb er altijd alles aangedaan om er bij te zijn en belgie te vertegenwoordigen ����... spijtig genoeg is ECHT zijn niet goed voor SOMMIGE... En vanaf vandaag zal ik de eerste supporter zijn.... Purtroppo molto a malincuore termina la mia carriera internazionale... ho sempre fatto di tutto per poter rappresentare la mia nazione ���� Essere se stessi a volte puó dare fastidio... Da oggi saró il primo tifoso... Very reluctantly my international career comes to an end...I’ve always done everthing I could to represent my country���� Being yourself can be bothering ...From this day on I will be the first fan... A post shared by Radja Nainggolan (@radjanainggolan.4) on May 21, 2018 at 4:11am PDT After being called up for a warm-up game in March against Saudi Arabia, expectations had been that Nainggolan would be in the final squad. Martinez said he travelled to Rome to explain his exclusion in person, but he declined to elaborate on that encounter. Instead of immediately going for the final squad of 23, Martinez announced a squad of 28 due to injury worries concerning players like Jordan Lukaku, Romelu Lukaku, Michy Batshuayi and Thomas Vermaelen. Thibaut Courtois, Vincent Kompany, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard were all named in the squad, with a game to come against on June 2 before the team is cut to 23. Axel Witsel plays for Belgium despite moving to China for his club football Credit: AFP For the past two years, Martinez has never found a starting spot for Nainggolan. He was often a substitute while midfielders like Axel Witsel, who has moved to the Chinese league, continued to play. Compounding the player's on-field issues were off-field reports of ill-discipline. However, Nainggolan was excellent for Roma in Serie A this season and in the unexpected run in the Champions League, where the team fell one goal short in the semi-finals against Liverpool. With his gritty determination and outspoken nature, he has become a fan favorite. "The decision is not an easy one," Martinez said. "I understand how popular the player is."

Nainggolan retires from Belgium duty after World Cup snub

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has called time on his international career after Roberto Martinez dropped him for the 2018 World Cup.

Roberto Martinez has named his 28-man provisional Belgium squad for the World Cup, with Roma's Radja Nainggolan the most notable omission.

ELX07. Atlanta (United States), 20/05/2018.- New York Red Bulls midfielder Alejandro Romero Gamarra (L) of Argentina in action against Atlanta United defender Jeff Larentowicz (R) during the first half of the MLS soccer match between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 20 May 2018. (Roma, Nueva York, Estados Unidos) EFE/EPA/ERIK S. LESSER

ELX07. Atlanta (United States), 20/05/2018.- New York Red Bulls midfielder Alejandro Romero Gamarra (L) of Argentina in action against Atlanta United defender Jeff Larentowicz (R) during the first half of the MLS soccer match between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 20 May 2018. (Roma, Nueva York, Estados Unidos) EFE/EPA/ERIK S. LESSER